Acupuncture
Have you ever bumped your "funny bone" and noticed your arm went numb from your elbow to the tip of your finger? If so, then you have experienced a temporary blockage of one of your meridians.
Why do I need it? Negative stimuli to the body such as stress, emotional mood swings, injuries, lack of excercies and poor diet can disrupt the flow and balance of qi (pronounced "chi") within our body. If left unresolved, over time, the body may start to feel less energetic, achy, or weak. Long term or chronic conditions can develop into more serious medical symptoms resulting in inflammation, back pain, arthritis, depression, and/or disease.
Acupuncture has the ability to alleviate numerous medical conditions, however the three most common services it provides are:
1) Pain Relief
2) Inflammation Reduction
3) Stress Reduction
How does it work? Imagine a garden hose that has little to no pressure due to a block of hard dirt somewhere along the line. If you used a stick to punch on the outside of the hose at the source of the dirt block, chances are it will break up and pass through to the nozzle. Well the human body operates in a similar fashion in that blockages (dirt block) occur along meridian channels (garden hose). Blocks usually decrease blood flow which suppress the supply of oxygen to the area which leads to pain recognized by the body. Acupuncture needles stimulate these blockage points which in turn increase oxygen carrying blood to the affected area. This provides relief to the affected area thus allowing qi to once again flow through the meridian channel.
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles at specific points located near the surface of the skin. It helps balance and regulate your body's natural flow of energy through pathways called meridians. Just as the circulatory system is comprised of veins and arteries to promote blood circulation, meridians are invisible channels interwoven with the various other internal systems and serve as pathways for energy.